Inside the cozy living room, Sarah, Nick's mother, beamed with a gentle smile. "They make such a wonderful couple," she mused aloud. "Rachel's sweetness is just what our son Nick needs. Don't you agree, Abel?" She turned to her husband, who nodded in agreement.
Admittedly, there had been a hint of tension in their earlier conversation. "Their discussion did seem a bit heated," Abel chimed in.
"Oh, conflict is just the beginning of any strong relationship," Sarah replied confidently. "It's a natural part of growing together. I'm certain they'll cherish each other deeply in the future and thank us for bringing them together."
Meanwhile, Rachel's parents exchanged knowing smiles but kept their thoughts unspoken. Guilt tugged at their hearts; they felt as though they were bartering their daughter's happiness for the Hills' assistance.
"Rachel is an ideal match for Nick," Drake, Rachel's father, finally contributed to the conversation. "And imagine the surprise in our social circles when they see them as a couple."
Sarah's enthusiasm was infectious. "Absolutely! I can already picture the envious whispers at the club, and I'll finally have the pleasure of boasting about my son's marital status. Perhaps even drop hints about future grandkids," she exclaimed with a twinkle in her eye.
Amidst the camaraderie, Maria couldn't shake off her inner turmoil. Sarah appeared overjoyed about Rachel and Nick's engagement, yet Maria's heart ached. She couldn't fathom how easily the Hills were willing to sacrifice their son's happiness. Her thoughts drifted to the day when Drake had confessed about a devastating investment gone awry, which led her to suggest seeking the Hills' support. She had never imagined it would come at the expense of their beloved daughter's happiness.
Observing Nick's playboy reputation, especially after the scandal involving Diana, the prime minister's daughter, had tainted the Hills' name. Maria speculated that this urgency to wed Nick was, in part, a means to restore their family's honor. The entire situation felt like a calculated business arrangement, leaving Maria convinced that Rachel would never truly find happiness in this alliance. The weight of responsibility bore heavily upon her, as she believed she had unknowingly paved the path to her daughter's heartache.
Sarah's voice broke through Maria's reverie, concern creasing her features. "Maria, are you feeling alright? You look a bit pale."
A nervous chuckle escaped Maria's lips. "I'm fine, just lost in thought for a moment. I think I'll go check on dinner," she replied, excusing herself from the room, her troubled thoughts trailing behind.